Beyond wearables and implantables: a scoping review of insertable medical devices

Abstract

Objective:We aim to propose a definition for a new class of in-body medical devices located in the superficial skin layers, called insertables; to provide an overview of their technological capabilities and challenges, and to summarize current applications and potential future use cases. Methods: A scoping, unsystematic review was conducted to gain an understanding of insertables and identify their clinical applications. Several information sources were used including: (i) peer-reviewed scientific literature; (ii) market research reports and (iii) the Derwent Innovation intellectual property database. An analysis of commercially available insertables and those under development was performed. Results: Desirable characteristics of insertables are: (i) noninvasiveness; (ii) ease of application, positioning and removal; (iii) multi-functionality; (iv) flexible in-body life-span and (v) patient-friendliness. Nineteen insertables were identified, spanning application areas from cardiac monitoring and continuous glucose monitoring to drug delivery. In the near future, a dozen insertables are expected to be brought to market in application areas ranging from analyte detection to electroencephalogram monitoring and measurement of intraocular pressure. Conclusion: Insertables combine useful features of implantables and wearable medical devices in a single offering. Insertables have the potential to deliver clinically useful, reliable physiological data and therapy with negligible patient discomfort and risk.

Wirelessly triggered bioactive molecule delivery from degradable electroactive polymer films

“…are necessary to understand if such materials are safe for widespread use in technical and medical applications 104 employing ‘safe by design’ principles 105,106 . In the case of the polymer described herein incorporating aniline oligomers, it is possible to contemplate using them for short term application as minimally invasive (insertable) medical devices 112–114 that would be removed immediately after use and disposed of as hazardous medical waste by incineration. Clearly their toxicity limits their appeal as candidates for long term implantation (e.g.…”

Das Redes Vestíveis aos Sistemas Ciber-Humanos: Uma Perspectiva na Comunicação e Privacidade dos Dados

“…Atualmente, os dispositivos intracorporais que possuem milímetros ou micrômetros de tamanho têm sido desenvolvidos com materiais como piezoelétricos, platina, ouro, titânio, cobre, silício, prata e alumínio [Koucheryavy et al 2021]. Entre os problemas da não compatibilidade levantados na literatura estão a toxicidade que os materiais em nanoescala podem apresentar, a corrosão de implantes dentro do corpo e a rejeição do tecido na área do transplante que impede o funcionamento dos biossensores, assim como a transmissão dos dados [Kuscu et al 2019, Barbone et al 2019. Como os problemas levantados se aplicam especificamente aos dispositivos desenvolvidos a partir de nanomateriais, autores defendem que esses problemas podem ser evitados pela escolha da arquiteturas biológicas para o desenvolvimento dos componentes (tecidos e organismos geneticamente modificados) [Kuscu et al 2019, Akyildiz et al 2015.…”

Deep Learning-Based Glaucoma Detection With Cropped Optic Cup and Disc and Blood Vessel Segmentation

“…Glaucoma has no cure, but an early diagnosis can prevent significant loss of vision [6]. There are several methods to detect and identify glaucoma because of the various eye features of each individual [7]. The conventional techniques for detecting glaucoma are developed on the validation of six main factors: Tonometry, Ophthalmoscopy, Visual Field Testing, Gonioscopy, Nerve Fiber Analysis, and Pachymetry , which have been described briefly in the following paragraphs.…”